LETTER TO CITY OF LAUNCESTON'S GM/CEO REGARDING PURCHASE OF BIRCHALLS BUILDING

From: Lionel Morrell
Date: 28 May 2020 at 10:45:31 am AEST
To: contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au
Subject: City of Launceston Council Meeting 28 May 2020 Questions



Mr Michael Stretton
General Manager
City of Launceston Council
Dear Michael,
Ref. Your file SF6381

On behalf of Tasmanian Ratepayers Association Incorporated, I asked 3 questions at the Meeting held on 14 May 2020, regarding properties at 118- 122 Brisbane Street (formerly Birchalls and adjacent retail shop) and 41 - 45 Paterson Street (Paterson St Carpark). You responded “A public announcement will be made in respect to these questions prior to the next council meeting”, and accordingly Anthea Rooney, Committee Clerk wrote to me on 21 May, providing the information from the May 14 meeting.

Public records disclose that on the day of the Council Meeting, 14 May, in fact City of Launceston Council settled the purchase of the properties at 118- 122 Brisbane Street Launceston.

As this had occurred on the day of the Meeting, why was this truthful fact not disclosed to me and the Ratepayers of Launceston?

There has been no public announcement made as you said there would be, and today is “the next Council Meeting”.

There is nothing noted in the Agenda concerning these matters.

Can you explain why that you, as General Manager has not been open, honest and transparent in your communications with your ratepayers.

Regards,
Lionel Morrell, President and on behalf of Tasmanian Ratepayers Association Incorporated.
Tel. 0428137050.